Saturday: Illinois at Michigan State

February 18, 2011

TV/radio: 8 p.m. Saturday; ESPN, WIND-AM 560.

Records: Illinois 17-9, 7-6 Big Ten; Michigan State 14-11, 6-7.

Chris Hine's quick look: After a disastrous, 20-point setback to Iowa on Feb. 2, Michigan State is playing better and took Ohio State deep into the game in a 71-61 loss Tuesday in Columbus. The Spartans need this victory more than the Illini, who beat them 71-62 on Jan. 18 in Champaign.